The “supple, simmering pianist” (NPR) ROBERT GLASPER returns to the bandshell after an unforgettable set featuring Talib Kweli back in 2014. This time, he brings an exceptional new collective of underground icons: Terrance Martin, who has produced records for Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg; GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist and bandleader Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah; bass luminary and Kanye collaborator and Derrick Hodge; Justin Tyson of Esperanza Spalding’s band; and DJ/producer/beatboxer Taylor McFerrin. According to Glasper, R+R=NOW tells “our story from our point of view. Everybody’s sound is so different, but we all come from the same concrete garden. It’s a very honest, fluid sound that rings of hip hop, EDM, jazz, at times—hell—reggae…a bunch of cats that respect each other so much that we always pass the ball.”

The name stands for Reflect+Respond=Now, and the mission is to create music that speaks to the current socio-political moment. BRIC has commissioned the group to write a new piece music for this show called The Liberation Suite, which will have its world premiere at the Bandshell as part of their set. The Haitian-American singer and guitarist (and Brooklynite) PAUL BEAUBRUN opens.